“That was curiosity, too. You know there’s been talk around about some important papers coming over.” Arthur Jacobs wrung his hands. “Talk, talk, talk. Are there no secrets any more in this department?” “Not many,” retorted Tully, who appeared to take malicious glee in taunting the filing chief. “That’s enough, Tully. You know there have been serious happenings. Bob was attacked by a marauder who had gone through the files here.” “What was he doing out of the room; how did anyone get in?” It was Condon Adams’ turn to speak. Bob replied sharply, explaining what had happened. “I’d call it mighty poor judgment on your part to leave this room no matter what the circumstances,” said Adams. “I think I’ll lodge a complaint against you.” “That’s going far enough,” Merritt Hughes said firmly. “You’ll do nothing of the kind. If this thing is going to get as personal as that I’ll file one against your nephew for coming up here and attempting to get into a file that is prohibited to him. Now how would you like that?” It was obvious that Adams did not relish the suggestion and the whole matter of filing complaints was dropped right there. Merritt Hughes took charge then, questioning Tully carefully about all of his actions while he was in the room. Tully was surly, but he answered truthfully enough. “How about it, Bob?” asked the federal agent. “What’s the matter? Doubt my word?” flared Tully, his dark face flushing. “Simply checking,” said Bob’s uncle and the tone of his voice invited no further remarks from Tully. “Tully’s told exactly what happened up until the time he left the room,” said Bob. “Then suppose you tell us what happened after he left and you were left here alone,” interjected Condon Adams. There was an unpleasant inflection in his voice that Bob resented; an implication that Bob might have been responsible for whatever had taken place that night. Merritt Hughes got it, too, but he ignored it. Bob told his story in a straight-forward manner. Once or twice Adams interrupted to ask questions, but he gained little satisfaction from his efforts to heckle Bob. “Well we’ve got two more sources of information,” said Merritt Hughes. “One is the man who was captured in this room and the other is the guard who was found on the ledge down below.” “Which one are you going to question first?” asked Adams. “I don’t know. It’s late now. I think I’ll see them in the morning.” “Not trying to give me the slip, are you?” the words shot out of Adams’ mouth, which was twisted into a bitter sneer. “I’m simply handling this case in my own way,” replied Merritt Hughes evenly. “Oh, I don’t know whether it’s your case or not. Remember that both of us have been assigned to this radio angle. Well, you do the work and I’ll get the information out of your reports. It will save me a lot of tedious detail. Come on, Tully.”